Rayna Katz

New York

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Freelance writer on travel, hotels, restaurants/chefs and meetings. Freelance editor too. Open to staff roles. [email protected] https://t.co/AtyukNIWts

Articles

What Attendees Want - www.themeetingmagazines.com

Oct 17, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | Rayna Katz

Creating a meeting or incentive that delivers on the desires of attendees is no easy feat.
Keys to Becoming an Independent Meeting Planner - www.themeetingmagazines.com

Sep 19, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | Rayna Katz

While face masks and mandatory distance rules are, thankfully, a distant memory of the COVID pandemic, some aftershocks of that time that impacted the working world remain in place. Among those are a rise in independent workers. Whether it’s due to circumstance or choice, more people — including meeting planners — are striking out on their own.
Applying Apps | www.themeetingmagazines.com

Sep 18, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | Rayna Katz

Every generation of the meeting industry has its technology. In the early 2000s, video conferencing became widely available while the simultaneous rise of the internet led to online registration, reporting and many other offerings. The COVID pandemic led to video site inspections and, of course, the skyrocketing popularity of online meetings. Now, with cell phones being as ubiquitous as air, it’s time for mobile applications’ turn in the spotlight.
In-room entertainment gets customized

Sep 3, 2024 | hotelmanagement.net | Rayna Katz

A trio of trends that have impacted hotels in recent years is driving innovation among in-room entertainment providers. Namely, the demand from guests to get exactly what they want, when they want it. The COVID-prompted surge in popularity of streaming channels and the expectation of hoteliers to be able to customize their offerings for different guest types have come together to boost product development andmake providers laser-focused on the needs of both hotel owners/operators and guests.
Fontana Looks Toward a Unique, Bustling Future

May 14, 2024 | globest.com | Rayna Katz

With its new downtown performance venue – Stage RED – on the cusp of opening this June, the City of Fontana, CA is now looking to the next phase of its massive redevelopment plan. The next phase, according to Phil Burum, deputy city manager, will build on Stage RED’s draw, focusing on retailers, restaurateurs, developers, and entrepreneurs to curate a bustling downtown experience. That uniqueness is key.
Remote Work | www.themeetingmagazines.com

May 6, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | Rayna Katz

Thanks in large part to the pandemic, working from home — or working remotely, as it’s often called — has become commonplace across corporate America, and the meeting industry is no exception to that trend. Whether by choice or circumstance, many meeting planners who do their work at home find there are distinct advantages to the set-up. Flexibility is certainly one and, often, there’s even increased efficiency.
Event Contracts | www.themeetingmagazines.com

May 6, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | Rayna Katz

Given the meeting industry’s frequently uttered mantra, “It’s a relationship business,” there needs to be trust between meeting or incentive planners and hoteliers, and vice versa. However, during the request for proposal process, the site visit and initial negotiations, a hotel might, possibly, exaggerate on what it can promise, just as a planner might do when asked what a group will deliver. Hence the need for event contracts.
Relax & Recharge - www.themeetingmagazines.com

Apr 15, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | Rayna Katz

As the industry and the nation continue to recover from the COVID pandemic and record-breaking inflation while grappling with worldwide turmoil, wellness is crucial. But that concept means different things to different people. For some, wellness refers to improving one’s mindset, generally by focusing on meditation, getting outdoors or taking time for reflection. For others, the term equates to going for a run or a session at the gym, where frustrations can be taken out on a heavy bag.
What Makes The Bahamas & Caribbean a Top Destination for Meetings

Mar 11, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | Rayna Katz

The Caribbean showcases great destinations even at first glance, and surprising delights sit below the surface. Groups seeking sunshine, beaches and spas are sure to eye the Caribbean but the region’s diverse destinations serve up a vast array of experiences. Luxury resorts, fine dining and high-end shopping are available while dashes of history and meals aboard ships are on offer too.
Event Budgeting | www.themeetingmagazines.com

Feb 9, 2024 | themeetingmagazines.com | Rayna Katz

Under the best of circumstances, a meeting planner’s job is fraught with challenges. How does one choose the right destination, and venue(s) — not to mention food & beverage, educational content and entertainment — to meet or even exceed a group’s goals, and do it within budget? The tasks, and the weight of what could go wrong, seemingly are massive. Now consider all of that against the backdrop of current conditions.